Gosselin: Rangers should not give up Martin Perez for Cole Hamels

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LHP COLE HAMELS, PHILADELPHIA: Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro has made his mark by trading prospects for veterans such as right-handers Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt. Now, Amaro looks at the other side of the coin. Hamels can become a free agent after the season, and the Phillies need a talent infusion after including so many young players in deals. After working in the bandbox that is Citizens Bank Park, Hamels would not be intimidated by Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

Catch SportsDay On Air twice per week on Fox Sports Southwest, when Dallas Morning News experts discuss hot sports topics from the Cowboys,Mavericks, Stars, Rangers and colleges (check ourTV listings for air times). Here are a few highlights from Monday's episode featuring Eddie Sefko and Rick Gosselin:

On if the Rangers should pursue an ace pitcher:

Gosselin: “I think this is the best pitching staff the Rangers have had in three years and last year, they were one pitch away from winning the World Series. I don’t think they have to make that move. I wouldn’t rule them going out and getting a first baseman or a corner outfielder. With Cole Hamels, it depends what you have to give up. If it’s (Martin) Perez then no, you don’t do that. I think they could be good enough now.”

Sefko: “On one hand, you can say wasn’t Roy Oswalt their guy they made a move for. Wasn’t this the guy they threw their money at or a little bit anyway and said alright this is the guy we’re going to bring in? On the other hand, this is a win now situation. The Rangers have a terrific everyday lineup. They’ve got a pretty good pitching staff. In situations like these, you go for it. You go hard even if it takes giving up some young guys. If you can get Cole Hamels in here, why not.”